FREDERICKSBURG, VA - On Thursday, May 16th, a second-grade school teacher was arrested after the school resource officer noticed that the woman was high on drugs while teaching in the classroom.
According to Fox News, the school resource officer at Spotswood Elementary School noticed that 35-year-old Candyce Leigh Carter appeared to be under the influence of drugs while teaching at the school. Upon further investigation, authorities confirmed that narcotics were found in her classroom.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department (SCSD) from the town Carter is a resident of, said that she has been arrested for felony possession of schedule I/II narcotics, felony endangerment, and felony child neglect or abuse. While investigating the initial incident, Carter's husband was also found on school grounds, in the parking lot, in his car, and also under the suspected influence of narcotics.
When officers found the husband, identified as 34-year-old Kristopher Donald Carter, he required medical attention. A two-year-old child was also found in the car with the husband. Carter's husband was arrested for felony child endangerment and felony child neglect or abuse.
Both Candyce and Kristopher have been booked into the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Candyce is being held without bond and Kristopher is being held on a $5,000 bond. In a statement, the sheriff's office said, "No students reported injuries or exposure, but were checked by medical personnel out of a abundance of caution and the classroom was professionally cleaned."
In a statement to FOX 5, Spotsylvania County School Board member Lisa Phelps said, "I am thankful that the kids of Spotsylvania County were not impacted by the drugs through direct contact. I know that there is a presence of drugs in our schools, adults, and children alike. I have expressed my concerns publicly at school board meetings, repeatedly. It seems as though there is no difference than any other school we often see in the news. I believe the difference from when I attended school compared to present day, is the presence of fentanyl. Your child, your spouse, your friend might not get a second chance at life if exposed to fentanyl."
School Board Chair Lorita Daniels released a statement, adding, "Spotsylvania County Public Schools takes all reports of alleged personnel misconduct very seriously and follows applicable district policies and procedures when responding to and investigating complaints. The district appreciates the quick action of our Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department. We will continue to work diligently to ensure all students and staff remain safe while in our schools."
According to reports, the next Spotsylvania School Board meeting is on Monday, May 20th, but there is no public comment on that agenda. Phelps said that board members may decide to discuss the incident with Carter. She said, "Us elected officials, with the help of the community, we need to be tougher on those who disregard the safety of others."
According to Fox News, the school resource officer at Spotswood Elementary School noticed that 35-year-old Candyce Leigh Carter appeared to be under the influence of drugs while teaching at the school. Upon further investigation, authorities confirmed that narcotics were found in her classroom.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department (SCSD) from the town Carter is a resident of, said that she has been arrested for felony possession of schedule I/II narcotics, felony endangerment, and felony child neglect or abuse. While investigating the initial incident, Carter's husband was also found on school grounds, in the parking lot, in his car, and also under the suspected influence of narcotics.
When officers found the husband, identified as 34-year-old Kristopher Donald Carter, he required medical attention. A two-year-old child was also found in the car with the husband. Carter's husband was arrested for felony child endangerment and felony child neglect or abuse.
Both Candyce and Kristopher have been booked into the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Candyce is being held without bond and Kristopher is being held on a $5,000 bond. In a statement, the sheriff's office said, "No students reported injuries or exposure, but were checked by medical personnel out of a abundance of caution and the classroom was professionally cleaned."
In a statement to FOX 5, Spotsylvania County School Board member Lisa Phelps said, "I am thankful that the kids of Spotsylvania County were not impacted by the drugs through direct contact. I know that there is a presence of drugs in our schools, adults, and children alike. I have expressed my concerns publicly at school board meetings, repeatedly. It seems as though there is no difference than any other school we often see in the news. I believe the difference from when I attended school compared to present day, is the presence of fentanyl. Your child, your spouse, your friend might not get a second chance at life if exposed to fentanyl."
School Board Chair Lorita Daniels released a statement, adding, "Spotsylvania County Public Schools takes all reports of alleged personnel misconduct very seriously and follows applicable district policies and procedures when responding to and investigating complaints. The district appreciates the quick action of our Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Department. We will continue to work diligently to ensure all students and staff remain safe while in our schools."
According to reports, the next Spotsylvania School Board meeting is on Monday, May 20th, but there is no public comment on that agenda. Phelps said that board members may decide to discuss the incident with Carter. She said, "Us elected officials, with the help of the community, we need to be tougher on those who disregard the safety of others."
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